He has hunted, hiked and fished his way around the state with his family. Now, the outdoors enthusiast will lead the State Parks Division. ................................................................ “I think sometimes in New Mexico we take for granted all of the public land access that we have,” Velasquez said. “We have so many opportunities for outdoor recreation.” New Mexico’s 35 state parks are housed under the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. Toby Velasquez Velasquez, a Mora High School graduate and New Mexico Highlands University alum, started his State Parks career 30 years ago as a seasonal employee, then a park ranger. He served as manager of Coyote Creek and Morphy Lake state parks.